The statue of the Tian Tan Buddha on Lantau Island in Hong Kong has been described as “the world's largest seated outdoor bronze Buddha statue”. Photo Credit: Jakub Halun.

Holidays and Festivals

Today is celebrated as Buddha's Birthday in many East Asian countries. Buddha's Birthday falls on the eighth day of the fourth month in the Chinese Lunar Calender.

Buddha's Birthday has been celebrated as an official holiday in Hong Kong since the former British Crown Colony's return to Chinese sovereignty in 1997. It replaces the Queen's Birthday, which is no longer an official holiday in Hong Kong.

Buddha's Birthday has also been celebrated as an official holiday in Macau since the former Portuguese territory returned to Chinese administration in 1999.

In Japan Buddha's Birthday has been celebrated on 8 April on the Gregorian Calendar since 1873.

Buddha's Birthday is also celebrated in India, Korea, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. The actual date and names of the holiday, however, vary from country to country.